Friendsgiving 101: Everything You Need to Host Your First One

Friendsgiving is like Thanksgiving, but with your closest friends instead of family. It’s a chance to gather, eat good food, and enjoy each other’s company without the usual holiday stress.

If you’re thinking about hosting your first Friendsgiving, it might seem a little overwhelming, but don’t worry! With a little planning, you can throw a party everyone will love.

We’re here to guide you through the basics, from inviting your friends to planning the perfect menu. By the end, you’ll feel confident about hosting a fun and stress-free Friendsgiving. Let’s get started!

Friendsgiving Tips

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Setting the Date and Inviting Friends

The first step to a great Friendsgiving is picking a date that works for everyone. Most people host Friendsgiving a week or two before or after Thanksgiving, but it’s really up to you.

Think about when your friends are free, and pick a date that doesn’t conflict with major holiday plans. Once you have a date, send out the invites!

You can keep it simple with a group text, use digital invites, or even send out cute, printed invitations.

Be sure to ask everyone to RSVP so you know how many people are coming. This will make it easier to plan food and seating.

Deciding on the Format: Potluck vs. Full Host Responsibility

Now, decide how you want to handle the food. Will it be a potluck, or will you cook everything yourself?

Potlucks are great because everyone brings a dish, and it takes the pressure off the host.

If you go this route, make a list of dishes and ask guests to pick what they’ll bring. This way, you won’t end up with three pumpkin pies and no mashed potatoes.

If you prefer to cook everything, keep the menu simple, and choose dishes you can make ahead of time.

Of course, you can also do a mix — make a few key dishes and ask friends to bring sides or desserts.

Planning the Menu

Planning your Friendsgiving menu is one of the most fun parts! Start by thinking about classic dishes that remind you of Thanksgiving, like turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.

It’s also important to include a few options for friends who have dietary restrictions, like vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut-free dishes.

Make sure to ask your guests if they have any special requests when they RSVP. Don’t forget about desserts and drinks!

Have a mix of sweet treats and festive drinks like cider, hot chocolate, or even a fun fall cocktail. A good variety will make sure everyone leaves with a full belly and a big smile.

Setting Up the Perfect Friendsgiving Atmosphere

Creating a warm, cozy atmosphere will make your Friendsgiving feel extra special. You don’t need to go overboard with decorations; a few simple touches will do. Use fall colors, like orange, red, and brown, for your table settings.

Adding candles, fairy lights, and a few pumpkins can make the room feel warm and inviting. If you don’t have a big table, consider arranging a few smaller tables or even picnic-style seating with cushions.

Music is also key — create a playlist with soft, upbeat tunes to keep the mood light and relaxed. Good lighting, comfy seating, and a great playlist will set the perfect scene for your gathering.

Planning Activities and Games

Friendsgiving is all about fun, so why not plan a few activities to keep everyone entertained?

Icebreaker games are perfect if not all your friends know each other well. You can play games like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Charades” to get everyone laughing. If your group loves trivia, create a Friendsgiving quiz about funny holiday facts or your favorite movies.

Another idea is to set up a craft station where guests can make Thanksgiving-themed decorations or cards. A few games or activities will help the party feel more lively and bring your friends closer together.

Preparing for the Day Of

The big day is almost here, and it’s time to get everything ready! Start by preparing any dishes that can be made ahead of time, like desserts or side dishes.

The night before, arrange your space, set the table, and put out any decorations. On the day of, make a checklist of tasks to keep you on track — this will help you remember what still needs to be done.

When guests arrive, show them where to put their coats, and give a quick tour of where to find drinks and snacks. If you’ve planned well, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the party with your friends.

Tips for a Stress-Free Friendsgiving

Hosting a party can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. The best way to keep things easy is to ask for help.

If you’re cooking, ask a friend to come over early and help set up, or have a buddy in charge of refilling drinks. Using disposable plates and utensils can save a lot of time when it’s time to clean up, too.

Set up a small trash and recycling station so guests can easily toss their trash. Remember, the goal is to have fun, not to make everything perfect.

Your friends will love your Friendsgiving because they’re spending time with you, not because the napkins match the plates.

Use a Checklist to Stay Organized

A simple checklist can be a lifesaver when planning your first Friendsgiving. Write down everything you need to do, from buying ingredients to setting up the table.

Break it down by tasks for the days leading up to the event and for the day itself. This will help you stay organized and make sure nothing gets forgotten. Plus, it’s super satisfying to check things off as you go!

Setting Up a Self-Serve Drink Station

If you want to make things easier for yourself, set up a self-serve drink station. You can include pitchers of water, cider, soda, and maybe even a signature cocktail.

Place cups, straws, and napkins nearby so guests can help themselves.

This way, you won’t have to spend time running around refilling drinks, and everyone can get what they want whenever they’re thirsty. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!

Make a Signature Cocktail

Adding a signature cocktail to your Friendsgiving menu is a fun way to make the event feel extra special.

You can create a drink that matches the fall theme, like a spiced apple cider cocktail or a cranberry spritzer.

The great thing about a signature drink is that it simplifies things—guests don’t have to think about what to order, and you don’t have to stock a full bar.

You can also make a non-alcoholic version so everyone can enjoy it. Prepare a big batch ahead of time and serve it in a punch bowl or pitcher with a ladle, so guests can easily help themselves.

Don’t forget to add a little garnish, like a cinnamon stick or slice of orange, to make it look festive and fancy!

Make a Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is a perfect addition to your Friendsgiving spread because it’s easy to put together, looks beautiful, and has something for everyone.

Start with a variety of cheeses, from soft brie to sharp cheddar, and add different types of meats like salami and prosciutto.

Then, fill in the board with extras like crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and fresh berries. You can also include little bowls of dips, olives, or honey for extra flavor.

The best part? There’s no cooking required, and guests can snack on it throughout the night. Arrange everything nicely on a big wooden board or platter, and it will become a show-stopping centerpiece that gets everyone talking and nibbling.

Consider a Friendsgiving Theme

Adding a theme to your Friendsgiving can make it even more fun. For example, you could do a “Cozy Pajama Party” where everyone shows up in comfy pajamas.

Or maybe a “Friendsgiving Fiesta” with tacos and margaritas instead of traditional Thanksgiving foods.

A theme can make your gathering more unique and give guests something fun to look forward to.

Make Sure to Have Leftover Containers

One of the best parts of Friendsgiving is the leftovers, so make sure you have plenty of containers on hand. Encourage your guests to take some food home with them.

It’s a great way to prevent food waste, and your friends will love having delicious leftovers the next day. You can even ask guests to bring their own containers if you’re short on supplies.

Don’t Forget to Capture the Moments

Friendsgiving is all about making memories, so make sure to take plenty of photos. You can set up a small photo booth area with props, or just snap candid shots throughout the night.

Consider creating a hashtag so everyone can share their photos online. It’s a fun way to look back on the night, and your guests will appreciate having photos to remember the good times.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, you’re ready to host your first Friendsgiving! Remember, it’s about gathering your favorite people and making memories, not about being perfect.

Focus on what matters — good food, good company, and lots of laughs. With a little planning and these helpful tips, your Friendsgiving will be a hit.

Send those invites, start planning your menu, and get excited for a fun, festive day with your friends. Happy Friendsgiving!

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